Assistant Referee announces retirement from Hyundai A-League

Assistant Referee Sarah Ho has announced that she will retire from the Hyundai A-League Assistant Referees Panel to focus on Westfield W-League and international women’s football commitments.

Ho is considered a pioneer of Australian women’s football after she became the first female official appointed to the Hyundai A-League in 2007. She has since gone on to officiate in 67 Hyundai A-League matches, including matches during the 2009 Hyundai A-League Finals Series.

In addition to her domestic achievements Ho had the honour of being one of two females appointed to the AFC Men’s Elite Assistant Referees Panel in 2014, officiating two AFC Cup matches during the 2014 AFC Cup competition.

After reaching the decision to retire Ho reflected positively on her involvement in the Hyundai A-League.

“It is a great honour to be the first female match official on the A-League and more importantly, it has opened up opportunities for women referees. Hopefully, it has encouraged more women to take up football refereeing and shown both young men and women referees that it is possible to make it to the A-League regardless of gender.

“Looking back I would say that officiating on the Hyundai A-League Semi-Final in 2009 in Adelaide and being appointed, alongside fellow FIFA Assistant Referee Allyson Flynn, to the AFC Elite Men's Assistant Referees Panel in 2014 have two of the most memorable achievements.”